It’s December, the last month of a year that has been hard on everyone. Sickness, death and depression have been a constant companion. All thanks to the virus. But now at last people have decided enough is enough. It’s time to party. And that is good news for the bands, the trio’s and the duo’s that are part of the entertainment scene in the state. Business has improved dramatically and many are now working more nights. This is certainly a far cry from even August or September when some musicians were getting gigs but there was talk of undercutting fees to get assignments. Now in December it seems the situation has changed.
Colin D Cruz, one of the more established musicians in the state will be working four days a week from next week. He expects it to increase to six days a week and intends to keep one day off for rest. He said “I am getting the rates I want. I am also very choosy where I play. I do it in places where I enjoy playing. Remember in Goa there are a thousand options in terms of locations. I answer a minimum of five calls a day from people asking me if I would be interested in playing at their outlet. I have to be choosy.” He said Goa was the only place in the country where bands were now performing every night and where it was possible to get gigs continuously. He said he had performed online but felt like a performing monkey but that the act of standing in front of a crowd would always remain the real deal for him.
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Sharon, a singer with the band Syndicate said she had picked up several gigs and was presently performing three nights which would increase to four a week. She said “I am performing at the Arbor Brewing Company which is promoting live music aggressively. Very importantly I am getting the rates I want. I am working with Colin and we get the rates we ask for. When senior musicians stick to their guns and demand what’s due to them, we can then get our dues too. I am happy four nights a week. I am not looking for more than that.” She said there was more work for duos and trios which meant there were a lot of assignments going around.
Sherise, a singer, said it looked like a great season ahead. She said “Weddings are on and shows at café’s, pubs and hotels are back. As a live singer I missed this life. It is great to be making music in Goa and Mumbai where I perform. I like singing jazz, retro pop, funk and rock and roll. I also write my own songs which I have performed at the Enfield Café. I am able to cater to all the tastes”. Speaking of the fees being paid she said she guaranteed everyone would have a good time and she brought great value which then made it difficult for the outlet to aggressively negotiate. She said “I don’t have a manager, yes I am open to negotiating, be it a corporate gig or one at the local pub. I like performing at pubs because it helps the people know I am around and also helps me get gigs. Corporates have approached me after audience members either recommended me or approached me at the venue”. She said the gigs during the season would increase and she hoped it would turn out fine for everyone.
Sancho Menezes said he was doing a lot of house parties in addition to playing 3 to 4 nights a week. He said “I have been lucky. Since September I have been working continuously. I have been doing private gigs as part of Sancho e Tasha. Yes I am aware the gigs at pubs and restaurants have increased. I am very happy. I am busy now. No one is complaining I suppose.”
The manager of a restaurant which has a band playing once a week but who is not authorized to speak said business had certainly increased and they expected to heat up as Christmas and New Year approached. He however hoped everyone who visited Goa had taken their vaccinations because that was the only way to party without fear.
